Circulating Mirna Signature After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery

Purpose: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a common risk factor for post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Over 50% of ACL injury patients are diagnosed with radiographic OA; 80% present with radiographic features linked with OA. ACL reconstruction may restore knee stability but does not prevent PTOA. Molecular alterations occurring early post-ACL reconstruction are not well characterized, and may provide early cues in PTOA development. MicroRNAs (miRNA) have recently emerged as crucial molecular players in OA pathophysiology and as potential OA biomarkers. In this study, we use next generation sequencing to determine if circulatory (plasma) miRNA expression is altered in the first 6 weeks post-ACL reconstruction. We then examine whether the identified miRNA signature is associated with post-surgical outcomes, like pain and function